I’m thankful that I have a job I enjoy, doing work that I believe in with people that I genuinely like and respect. I have a family I love, friends who show up and a beautiful city to call home. My dog enthusiastically greets my wife and me every morning and never turns down a run. I’m excited about 2014 at work and at home. I didn't go to an Ivy League school. I went to UC Irvine. And life today is really good.
High school students, you’ve got lots of life left to live. Most people who read this blog are lucky enough to live in a society where you can learn and aspire to become just about anything you want. One grade, test score or admissions decision doesn’t have the power to decide what kind of life you’re going to lead in the future. That’s your choice.
Work hard. Take an active interest in your education and your future. Be proud of your success and learn from your failures. Treat people right. Try to do the right thing. Apologize when you mess up. Be silly every now and then. Appreciate what you have. Stay safe, healthy and happy. Do it over and over again and you’re guaranteed to end up in a good place.
You can have a life worth being thankful for no matter where you go to college.